1. The quality or state of deserving well or ill; desert. Here may men see how sin hath his merit. Chaucer. Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought For things that others do; and when we fall, We answer other's merits in our name. Shak. 2. Esp. in a good sense: The quality or state of deserving well; worth; excellence. Reputation is ... oft got wit...